A style of musical composition or vocal technique in medieval and Renaissance music involving an improvised countermelody below the main tune.
From Middle English, possibly from Old French faux (false) + burden (the main theme). The etymology is disputed; it may also relate to 'false burden' or burden as load/weight.
Faburden was how medieval singers added complexity without written notation—they improvised harmony following simple rules, a technique that influenced how modern harmony developed.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.